Tom De Koning’s expected departure from Carlton could be just the beginning of a dramatic shake-up under incoming chief executive Graham Wright.
With Wright set to take the reins from Brian Cook as early as July, AFL journalist Damian Barrett believes the former Collingwood and Hawthorn list boss is open to hearing trade offers for even the club’s biggest names, including Coleman medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
“No one at the club thinks [De Koning] is staying at this stage,” Barrett said on Nine’s Footy Classified, confirming the free agent ruckman looks likely to head to St Kilda.
MORE: Sydney Swans described as 'rabble' by rival Adelaide player
Stars on big deals could be on the move
But De Koning may not be the only major name on the way out. According to Barrett, Wright’s appointment signals a willingness to make bold, even ruthless, list decisions just as he did in his time at the Hawks and the Pies.
“They’ve got some big name players on big contracts. I’ve got no doubt, in fact I know, that if a club was to come to the Carlton footy club and Graham Wright with a feasible offer for some of those names, he will engage,” Barrett said.
“Curnow and McKay — there’s two Coleman medallists there on big contracts. Don’t waste his time. If you want to put a proposal to them with three (or) two first-round draft picks, do it. The conversation can be had and I would imagine will be had.”
MORE: GWS legend's career could be over after serious injury
While both forwards are locked into long-term, high-value deals — Curnow until 2029 and McKay until 2030 — their partnership in the forward line has come under scrutiny. And Wright’s history suggests he won’t be afraid to explore radical changes.
Curnow, when asked about the uncertainty surrounding his future, chose to stay neutral. “It’s all above my pay grade to be honest,” he said. “I pretty much leave that to Graham Wright, I am not going to tell him what to do, am I?”